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US 9,313,372 B2Granted
Unit pixel and image sensor comprising the unit pixel circuit
AssigneeSamsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
InventorsMinseok Oh, Haekyung Kong, Han Soo Lee, Taechan Kim, Jungchak Ahn, Moosup Lim
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Abstract
An image sensor is provided which includes a plurality of unit pixels, ones of which are configured to convert an input light signal into at least four frame signals. The image sensor also includes a signal processor that is configured to measure a distance from an object based on the at least four frame signals from one of the plurality of unit pixels.
Claims17
An image sensor, comprising:
- a pixel array comprising a plurality of unit pixels, ones of which are configured to convert an input light signal into at least four frame signals;
- and
- a signal processor that is configured to measure a distance from an object based on the at least four frame signals from one of the plurality of unit pixels,
- wherein ones of the plurality of unit pixels comprise,
- a photodiode that is configured to generate an electrical signal at a light node in response to the input light signal,
- an output unit that is configured to receive the electrical signal from the light node and to concurrently output first and second frame signals of the at least four frame signals to an external terminal in response to the electrical signal,
- a discharge unit that is electrically connected between the light node and a power terminal and configured to discharge the electrical signal of the light node to the power terminal when the first and second frame signals are output to the external terminal, and
- a reset unit that is configured to reset the electrical signal applied to the output unit.
5 more elements
An image sensor, comprising:
- a light source unit that is configured to generate a light signal to be reflected by an object;
- a pixel array comprising a plurality of unit pixels, ones of which are configured to convert an input light signal into at least four frame signals;
- and
- a row driver that is configured to generate a photo control signal and to apply the photo control signal to the pixel array,
- wherein ones of the plurality of unit pixels comprise
- a photodiode that is configured to generate an electrical signal at a light node in response to the input light signal,
- an output unit that is configured to receive the electrical signal from the light node and to concurrently output first and second frame signals of the at least four frame signals to an external terminal in response to the electrical signal,
- a discharge unit that is electrically connected between the light node and a power terminal and configured to discharge the electrical signal of the light node to the power terminal when the first and second frame signals are output to the external terminal, and
- a reset unit that is configured to reset the electrical signal applied to the output unit.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.